2012-2013 could be 1st year for 464 virtual school

Tonganoxie USD 464 could have a virtual high school beginning with the 2012-13 school year.

The board heard from Tonganoxie High School Principal Jamie Carlisle during Monday’s meeting about efforts toward creating a virtual school.

He said the groundwork is there with at-risk teacher Mark Padfield and instruction based on Virtual Prescriptive Learning.

The district would have to get clearance from the state to create a virtual school. And, the board would need to decide whether graduation requirements would mirror that of THS. If they were to adhere to the basic requirements for virtual schools set forth by the state, the district likely would need to create a different name for the school.

Carlisle said he suggests, during the first year, to not charge fees if people are enrolled by a certain date, but charge for those enrolled after that date.

He viewed the school as being a “wash” as far as revenue from funding and state aid offsetting costs to operate the school. But in time, it also could provide more revenue to the district, Carlisle said.

Whoever would be hired for the school would wear the many hats of administrator, teacher and counselor, he said, with cooperation of other teachers in the school district. For instance, teachers might alternate in being available one evening per week for assistance with assignments.

“This not only opens up an adult education piece; it serves our community and our surrounding communities,” Carlisle said. “We would not lose kids to other districts.

“High school is not for every child. We’re missing the boat if we think it is. This provides another avenue for our students.”

— For more from Monday’s board meeting, see next week’s edition of The Mirror and online at tonganoxiemirror.com.